SPOTLIGHT -
CDC updates opioid prescribing guidelines
Revisions to 2016 document focus on provider flexibility and unique circumstances of every prescribing decision
Lawmakers urge extension of incentives for joining APMs
Letter to Congressional leaders says ending payments would discourage APM participation and development of new payment models
Perception of discrimination may bring worse heart attack outcomes
Perceived discrimination found to increase stress levels and inflammation following heart attacks
Inequality in care access is getting worse
Problem extends beyond costs of care and health insurance, study finds
The data dilemma
Digitizing patient health data was supposed to make it usable for public and population health research. So far, that hasn’t happened.
Texting found more effective than phone calls for hospital discharge follow-ups
In study, use of text messages reduced post-discharge ED admissions and hospital readmissions
More patients getting care outside of doctor’s office
Retail locations, virtual visits are most popular alternatives, survey finds
Telehealth follow-ups less effective than in-person for preventing return ED visits
Clinicians' reduced ability to examine patients may cause difference in outcomes
CMS warns Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans about deceptive TV ads
Agency says it will begin reviewing ads before allowing them to air
Artificial Intelligence in medicine: what it means for primary care
How can the learning capabilities of artificial intelligence algorithms be used to complement primary care doctors' training and analytical skills to produce the best outcomes for patients?
Mistreatment of physicians with disabilities is widespread, study finds
Offensive remarks, threats of violence come from coworkers and patients alike
FDA gives nod to COVID boosters for children as young as 5
Agency seeks to reduce exposure risks as in-person schooling resumes
CMS proposes first-ever nationwide directory of health care providers, services
Agency to seek public comment on benefits of centralizing provider data
Despite the ADA, patients with disabilities not getting equal medical care
Many medical facilities remain difficult to access, while doctors continue to harbor biases, study finds
Fewer children than adults getting COVID-19 vaccinations
Study links discrepancy to adults’ misbeliefs about vaccine safety
Physician burnout up significantly since beginning of COVID-19 pandemic
Increase exceeds first years of EHR nationwide rollout, study finds
Picking up the pace enhances health benefits of walking
Speed and number of steps both help reduce disease risk, study finds
COVID-19 pandemic hit health care employment less than other sectors
Changes in unemployment rates tied to occupational income
Coalition urges Senate to continue PHE telehealth waivers
Letter asks for two-year extension while Congress works to make changes permanent
Many health care organizations lack resources to fend off cyberattacks
Nearly 90% experienced at least one attack in the past year, at an average cost of more than $1 million per attack
Are scribes the answer to physicians’ documentation woes?
New study casts doubt on whether scribes ease doctors’ paperwork burden
Government grant will help consumers with health plan selection, enrollment
Additional funds will enable navigator organizations to expand their services
New E/M billing guidelines rewarding longer patient visits
Time-based visits gain financial advantage over medical decision-making in some circumstances
Price not a good indicator of Medicare Advantage plan’s quality
New study shows weak link between premiums, patient satisfaction and level of care
Medicare Advantage poised to become biggest coverage provider for beneficiaries
Many plans offer benefits not available under traditional Medicare, but nearly all require prior authorizations for some drugs and services
Health care executive compensation rebounded in 2021
Rates of salary and incentive increases are up as pandemic’s effects ease
Care needs continue for some COVID patients months after initial infection
Study highlights ongoing demands on health care organizations’ resources
Diabetes may be factor in worse COVID-19 outcomes in minority communities
Studies tie disease to higher risk of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths
Outpatient behavioral health visits rise due to greater telehealth use
Loosened restrictions during pandemic have eased access barriers, report finds
Health insurance marketer faces fines, sanctions for lying about plans it sells
Benefytt Technologies, Inc. would have to refund $100 million and stop misleading customers about coverage